Imagine stepping into a time machine and traveling back to the late 1970s in the Philippines. As you walk through the corridors of history, you find yourself immersed in Lingap’s anniversary activity, where the founders, Mr. and Mrs. Romulo and Perla Intia, recount our early beginnings. Last June 30, amidst the presence of the BOT members, children, church, and community partners, Lingap’s humble origins came to life, unveiling a heartfelt journey dedicated to the well-being of Filipino children.
The Encounter That Inspired a Movement
The story begins with Ms. Perla Intia painting a vivid picture of Mr. Gunther Reese, a towering figure with a big heart connected to Kindernothilfe [children need help] of West Germany. During his visit to the Philippines in the late 1970s, Mr. Reese witnessed the harsh realities Filipino children face. He was deeply moved by their plight, which sparked a desire within him to make a difference. This remarkable encounter planted the seed that would eventually grow into Lingap.
The Journey to West Germany
Mr. and Mrs. Intia’s unwavering dedication caught the attention of Mr. Reese, leading to an invitation to West Germany. They were given a platform to share Filipino children’s situation and seek support from German churches and compassionate individuals. Armed with their passion and heartfelt stories, the couple embarked on a mission to rally support and generate awareness about the challenges faced by Filipino children.
Returning to the Philippines, the Intia couple channeled their experiences and support into tangible action. With the Albay Evangelical Church as the first partner, they established an initial project in Legazpi City, Albay. Through this collaboration, Lingap’s first steps were taken in bringing hope and transformation to the lives of underprivileged children through its community-based education and livelihood program. As Lingap’s efforts began to gain momentum, the vision of sustainability through foster children’s support was born.
Expansion in the Visayas:
Their unwavering commitment to the cause expanded work to the Visayas region. Partnering with churches affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Lingap’s influence and impact grew. The collaboration with these partner churches provided a network of support and resources, enabling Lingap to extend its helping hand to even more Filipino children in need.
The Birth of Lingap Pangkabataan, Incorporated
As Lingap continued to expand and evolve, the founders recognized the need to establish a separate organization to sustain their growing work. This led to the establishment of Lingap Pangkabataan, Incorporated. Lingap Pangkabataan found a solid foundation for its continued growth and development by involving representatives from various church bodies.
Sustaining the Vision:
Fast forward to the present day, and Lingap has grown from strength to strength, expanding its reach and impact. One key strategy employed by Lingap is the continuous engagement of local churches. By building the capabilities of these churches to meaningfully work with their communities, Lingap ensures that its mission reaches far and wide, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
But how do we sustain Lingap’s work and maximize the rich experience and human capital at its disposal? Let’s explore some practical steps:
- Mobilizing Volunteers: Lingap can tap into the power of volunteers who share a passion for our cause. By actively recruiting and training volunteers, we can expand our reach and extend our impact.
- Involving Former Staff and Foster Children: Lingap can create opportunities for former staff and foster children to become advocates and ambassadors of our work. By leveraging their firsthand experiences, we can tap into their passion and commitment to inspire others and drive sustained support.
- Fostering Partnerships: Lingap can forge strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Collaborating with these entities can provide access to resources, funding, and expertise that will help sustain our initiatives.
- Embracing Technology: In today’s digital age, harnessing technology can significantly enhance Lingap’s outreach and operational efficiency. Establishing our online presence, leveraging social media platforms, and utilizing digital tools for fundraising and communication can expand our reach and engagement with supporters.
Our anniversary activity provided a remarkable opportunity to delve into the organization’s roots and early beginnings. Through the heartfelt narration of Mr. and Mrs. Intia, Lingap’s founders, we were transported to a time when compassion and determination gave birth to a noble cause. Lingap’s journey, rooted in the selfless acts of Romulo and Perla Intia, continues to touch the lives of countless Filipino children today. Lingap’s anniversary activity was a poignant reminder of the organization’s humble beginnings and its tireless efforts to uplift the lives of Filipino children. Through the unwavering dedication of its founders and the continuous support from churches, Lingap has grown and flourished, adapting to the ever-changing landscape.
As Lingap moves forward, let us always reflect on this remarkable tale and be inspired to make a difference in our own communities and become beacons of hope for those in need.
“When the Holy Spirit gives you something to work on, do not be afraid for He will be with us,” added Ms. Intia.